Watch CBS News

Seaside Heights Carousel To Remain in Shore Community

By Paul Kurtz

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. (CBS) -- A famous carousel that survived Superstorm Sandy has been taken off the auction block, thanks to a deal reached by the company that owns the amusement ride in Seaside Heights and borough officials.

The centerpiece of the deal is an oceanfront land exchange.  The borough will trade a parcel it owns next to Casino Pier for a chunk of property the company owns a few blocks up the beach.

Seaside Heights town administrator Chris Vaz says it's a win-win for both sides, enabling Casino Pier to expand its operation and the borough to take possession of the iconic merry-go-round that has entertained vacationers since the 1930s.

"We don't know specifically where we would put it, once we take posession down the road," Vaz tells KYW Newsradio, "but we're going to start a separate track where we're going to be seeking state and federal grant money to build a structure that would house the carousel itself."

Vaz says he's been swamped with phone calls and messages, some tear-filled, from residents who are thrilled with the development that preserves the historic amusement in Seaside Heights.

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.